St. Helena, a small, craggy island in the South Atlantic Ocean, hasn't seen many tourists in the past for good reason: It's one of the most remote inhabited places in the world. Until 2017, it took five nights by boat to reach the British overseas territory, which is nearly halfway between southern Africa and Brazil.
It’s people with a real desire to travel and learn rather than, ‘let’s go somewhere to have a bit of sunshine and some nice food,’' says Emma Phillips, whose husband, Nigel, is St. Helena's governor. After all, weather can be unpredictable and supplies occasionally run low when you’re 1,200 miles from the nearest continent. 'You’ve got to be prepared to embrace all of that,' Phillips says, while extolling the island’s welcoming locals, rich history and natural wonders.
Plantation House’s well-manicured yard is home to one of the island’s most famous residents, a venerable tortoise named Jonathan. At the approximate age of 192, Jonathan holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest living land animal. He has met several royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, who visited St. Helena in 1947, and Prince Edward, who made the trip in January. 'Jonathan is an enigmatic tortoise,' says Teeny Lucy, one of his caretakers for over a decade.
Money: St. Helena has no ATMs, credit cards are not widely accepted, and the local bank has limited hours. Be sure to bring British pounds to cover your stay and the 20 pounds entry fee . Another option is St. Helena Bank’s prepaid Tourist Card app, which can be loaded with debit cards online and is accepted throughout the island. Connectivity: Download essentials like the Tourist Card app and offline Google maps before you arrive, as Wi-Fi and mobile data is limited and expensive.
Where to Stay: Accommodations range from simple home stays to boutique hotels. The higher-end Mantis St. Helena has 30 rooms and complimentary, reliable internet. Getting Around: St. Helena’s narrow roads and blind curves are not for the faint of heart. If you’re comfortable driving stick shift on the left side of the road, rental cars are available. Otherwise, taxis are your best option for island adventuring.